Stumpjumper Blues

[smiles]

In February 2007 I blew a bit of spare cash on a hi-spec Stumpjumper thinking I was really going to get back into off-road (I bought a Muddy Fox in 1987).  The reality has turned out to be the odd epic ride over these Welsh Hills, but a leaning towards my Dawes Galaxy and the road  .  Stumper just sits there in the bike shed and rarely sees the light of day    ............and it's a wonderful bike.

I've been thinking .... should I sell it, accept the loss, and buy a road bike ?  Should I just wait until I have more time (less work) and then ride both ?

Any thoughts ?  Do you have issues like this ?

[SpaceBadger]

Unless you need the cash, I'd keep the MTB. I rarely ride mine since I stopped racing, but when you feel like getting muddy and re-discovering some bike handling skills, I find it great to have mine available.

I know what you mean about the lure of the road, though. My first road bike was just to build my fitness for XC racing. Now, I'm a sorry excuse for an MTBer, but it's still fun to watch traditional roadies venture tentatively off-road and see the looks of extreme concentration 

[Zoidburg]

I remember you asking about this back in 2007 and we helped you choose.

I will quite happily look after it for you for a while if it is taking up room in the shed, I promise not to ride it to destruction on Cannock Chase or anthink like that at all.

Honest.

[sas]

Keep it. You can guarantee the moment you'll sell it you'll need it . If you want to force yourself to use it why not sign up for an organised ride? Something like Evans Ride It, Trailbreak, etc. About £10 for something you could easily organise yourself for free, but signing up (and knowing you've paid money) forces you to get out.

[Sigurd Mudtracker]

I'm in a similar position - after thrashing my old Hardrock went out and bought a top-of-the line GT Avalanche after much analysis and debate.  But I now tend to do most of my riding on the road, my MTB skills are such that I tend to run faster through the woods than I can ride.  But it's always good to have the MTB in reserve for days when I just have to get out and am fed up dodging the traffic.  Of course, it helps that I have trails less than a mile away.  If I had to drive to get to the trails (and I've rediscovered that big knobblies are a pig on tarmac) then it would never get ridden.

[smiles]

I remember you asking about this back in 2007 and we helped you choose.

Yes Zoidburg, your help was much appreciated ..... but that doesn't mean you can have it 

[Polar Bear]

I have the same issue.  I have a Marin East Peak 2003, first of the quad link frames.   I bought it in early 2004 and upgraded everything except the basic frame which is otherwise excellent, even the frame shock for a nice Fox Air jobbie.

It's done about 500 miles.   

I'm tempted to sell and buy a hard tail in steel with rack mounts which I would use, or even offer a frame swap for said steel hard tail with rack mounts to anybody interested.   

[smiles]

Of course, it helps that I have trails less than a mile away.  If I had to drive to get to the trails (and I've rediscovered that big knobblies are a pig on tarmac) then it would never get ridden.

I live in the hills of Mid Wales and so off-road is on my door step.  Having said that, actual trails are a car journey ie Nant-y-Arian (25 miles), Elan Valley (20 miles), the trails that I make for myself, from home are a bit brutal ..... and when the road calls ..... I can't resist 

[Zoidburg]

I remember you asking about this back in 2007 and we helped you choose.

Yes Zoidburg, your help was much appreciated ..... but that doesn't mean you can have it 

You would want it to go to a good home wouldnt you?